Sarilumab recommended for severe RA in the UK

medwireNews: Sarilumab has been recommended as a treatment option for adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by the UK National Institute For Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antagonist is indicated for use in combination with methotrexate for those with severe RA and a previous inadequate response to one or more DMARDs, on the condition that the drug’s manufacturers, Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., provide sarilumab at a discounted price through the patient access scheme.

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NICE advises that sarilumab can be given as monotherapy to patients who are unable to take methotrexate.

This recommendation follows approval of sarilumab by the European Medicines Agency in June 2017.